I'll Tell You This For Nothing - My Mother the War Hero

'I’ll Tell You This for Nothing - My Mother the War Hero' Written and Performed by Kate JasonSmith Directed by Jan Bolwell

“I’ll Tell You This for Nothing has so many things going for it, it’s hard for a reviewer to know where to start. First up, it’s a tremendous story ... a balance between personal experience and the larger historical events through which Phyllis moves. ... Versatile, skilled and charismatic, Kate JasonSmith’s performance is a mighty achievement in its own right.” - Tim Stevenson, Theatreview

At the age of 88 Phyllis JasonSmith, an Irish woman who lived most of her life in New Zealand, was awarded France’s highest accolade for exceptional courage - the Legion d'Honneur. A nurse with the Queen Alexandra Nursing Corps, on D-Day Phyllis was sent to the Front Line in France. Her hospital followed the battles through Europe, and when the war ended she was sent to nurse in the liberation of one of the most infamous Nazi Camps. Amidst this drama Phyllis found the love of her life. When peace arrived she and her husband emigrated to New Zealand and settled in the small village of Pukerua Bay near Wellington. A great storyteller, Phyllis was often interviewed for radio and print. Phyllis’s WWII tale of war, courage, romance and danger is brought to life in an acclaimed 70 minute solo performance written and acted by her daughter Kate JasonSmith.

Kate herself grew up in Pukerua Bay, then went on to an extensive career in the performing arts. Her skills have encompassed acting, directing, writing and set design - around the world - though she may be best known in New Zealand as the creator and producer of the iconic women’s comedy company Hens’ Teeth.

The script of 'I’ll Tell You This for Nothing - My Mother the War Hero' was dramaturged by international entertainer and character actor Deb Filler (Punch Me in the Stomach, Filler Up!)

Price

$25.00 - $30.00

Duration

1 hr 10 mins

Venue

Globe Theatre

Share This

About Us

The Dunedin Fringe Festival is the world’s southernmost festival of its kind. Initiated in 2000, Dunedin Fringe aims to bring experimental contemporary art to a wider audience and to support the work of emerging artists. Dunedin Fringe is an annual event which happens every March timed to coincide with other fringe festivals in New Zealand and Australia.